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Observation: Big Cottonwood Canyon

Observation Date
11/26/2024
Observer Name
B
Region
Salt Lake » Big Cottonwood Canyon
Location Name or Route
Upper Big Cottonwood
Weather
Sky
Overcast
Precipitation
Moderate Snowfall
Wind Direction
West
Wind Speed
Light
Weather Comments
Early morning tour saw HN 10cm at 8700' BCC at 0700, with S-1 snowfall. By 0900 snowfall rates had accelerated to S2 and continued through noon when ending tour. Winds were Light out of the W-WSW with No Wind Blown and or Transport observed at 10300 ridge lines. Temperatures were in the mid 20's. Accumlations added up to 18cm by noon.
Snow Characteristics
New Snow Depth
7"
New Snow Density
Low
Snow Surface Conditions
Powder
Snow Characteristics Comments
Excellent moderate to low angle powderriding in based up snow depths ranging from 30 to 75 cm.
Red Flags
Red Flags
Heavy Snowfall
Wind Loading
Poor Snowpack Structure
Red Flags Comments
Isolated areas with Soft Slab Wind Deposits up to 75cm on the exposed ridgeline that appeared to have been created in the early morning hours when the front arrived. Multiple Crust Facet Sandwiches observed on all aspects.
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
New Snow
Trend
Increasing Danger
Problem #1 Comments
The new snow appeared to be reactive as Loose Dry Avalanches on very steep terrain.
Avalanche Problem #2
Problem
Wind Drifted Snow
Trend
Increasing Danger
Problem #2 Comments
See above regarding Wind Deposits. Upper elevations appeared to have signficant velocities to provide sensitive Wind Slabs on steep leaward aspects.
Buried Facets may become reactive as the day and new snow (and wind) continue to build slab properties. As of noon, there didn't appear to be enough weight to increase this Persistent Slab Avalanche Problem. Natural Avalanches may be possible later in the day and especially overnight if the forecast verifies on the high end, and if this actually occurs the Danger Rating could escalate to Considerable.
Snow Profile
Elevation
8,000'
Today's Observed Danger Rating
Low
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
Moderate
Coordinates